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theBItoolbox's avatar
theBItoolbox
Frequent Visitor
4 months ago
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Is automating semantic model documentation via .pbip ready for enterprise governance?

Hi everyone,
​I recently got so fed up with manually updating Data Dictionaries and tracking DAX dependencies during handovers that I decided to completely change my approach.
​Since Microsoft introduced Developer Mode, I realized we don't need to reverse-engineer messy models anymore. I built a workflow that parses the .pbip and TMDL files to automatically generate a full Model Audit and Data Dictionary. I actually wrote a full breakdown of the architecture and the "Spaghetti Model" problem on Medium here:


​https://medium.com/@thebitoolbox/the-spaghetti-model-trap-why-inheriting-power-bi-reports-is-a-nightmare-db50a316a4a4


​My question for the architects here: Are you already using .pbip and TMDL for governance and automated documentation? Are there any hidden risks or limitations in relying purely on text-based definitions for enterprise-scale models?
​I'd love to hear your thoughts on this approach.

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  • parry2k's avatar
    parry2k
    4 months ago

    theBItoolbox  I'm fully on board with TMDL—it has become my preferred development experience. Before TMDL, managing model changes and keeping documentation up to date was often challenging. With TMDL, and now MCP servers entering the picture, the development workflow feels much more streamlined, maintainable, and collaborative. Everything is starting to come together nicely.

4 Replies

  • parry2k's avatar
    parry2k
    Icon for Super User rankSuper User
    4 months ago

    theBItoolbox  I'm fully on board with TMDL—it has become my preferred development experience. Before TMDL, managing model changes and keeping documentation up to date was often challenging. With TMDL, and now MCP servers entering the picture, the development workflow feels much more streamlined, maintainable, and collaborative. Everything is starting to come together nicely.

    • theBItoolbox's avatar
      theBItoolbox
      Frequent Visitor
      4 months ago

      Hi parry2k,
      ​Thanks for chiming in! I completely agree—TMDL is an absolute game-changer for maintainability and version control.
      ​Before this, managing handovers or auditing complex models felt like trying to untangle a black box. The addition of MCP servers that you mentioned is the cherry on top, seamlessly bridging the gap between our semantic models and modern AI workflows. It really does feel like the whole ecosystem is finally coming together.
      ​Thanks for reading, and keep up the great educational work on your YouTube channel!

  • v-prasare's avatar
    v-prasare
    Icon for Community Support rankCommunity Support
    4 months ago

    Hi theBItoolbox,

    We would like to confirm if our community members answer resolves your query or if you need further help. If you still have any questions or need more support, please feel free to let us know. We are happy to help you.


    parry2k ,Thanks for your prompt response

     

     

    Thank you for your patience and look forward to hearing from you.
    Best Regards,
    Prashanth Are
    MS Fabric community support

  • v-prasare's avatar
    v-prasare
    Icon for Community Support rankCommunity Support
    3 months ago

    Hi @theBItoolbox,

    We would like to confirm if our community members answer resolves your query or if you need further help. If you still have any questions or need more support, please feel free to let us know. We are happy to help you.

     

     

    Thank you for your patience and look forward to hearing from you.
    Best Regards,
    Prashanth Are
    MS Fabric community support